D’Angelo In the Flesh at the Fox

In which the reclusive R&B star reappears for a show at the Fox.

By Katy St. Clair

Published: June 08, 2015

Photo by Jesper Skoubelling

D’Angelo fans can still remember that first time we saw him in that video—shot from the hips up, naked, raw, and gorgeous, singing his bona-fide slow jam throwback “How Does It Feel” while the camera slowly panned over his sweat. Oh, honey, we got the vapors. Eventually he would take his place in the neo-soul movement of Erykah Badu, Maxwell, and Lauryn Hill.

But from his initial exposure in the ’90s, he then oddly jumped in and out of the spotlight, intentionally disappearing for long stretches that, frankly, only built his mystique. His critically triumphant return after his first leave of absence—the sensual album Voodoo—made its debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Charts and secured him in music history as a hot Barry White. Folks put on his records to make sweet, sweet love.

In 2000 D’Angelo began what would add up to be a 12-year blackout—no interviews, no performances, no new material. When he finally did begin to work on music again, it was plagued with more delays. Always leave them wanting more, indeed.

Finally, in 2014 D’Angelo released an entire album, Black Messiah, to universal acclaim. (Metacritic, the review aggregator, scores it at 95 out of 100.) Now he’s on the Second Coming tour and it’s headed to the Fox, which means we can actually really and truly see and hear him again, and in the flesh, for realz. The question is, will he be wearing clothes? We can only hope ... not. Sunday, June 7, 7:30 p.m. $49.50-$85. Fox Theater Oakland, 1807 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. www.TheFoxOakland.com

Comedy

Nine Venues

Where to get your laughs on.

Sick of the usual bars, bands, or movie nights? We’ve counted at least nine comedy shows in Oakland, each with their own unique twist. Here’s the breakdown:

The Smart Culture Show: “Artsy Comedy showcase and free pizza.” Come for the pizza, stay for the laughs. Every third Thursday at the Third Street Warehouse in Jack London Square.

Layover Comedy: Mike Spiegelman has been hosting this weekly collection of stand-up comedy performers for more than five years. Every Tuesday at 8 p.m. Two drink minimum. The Layover, 1517 Franklin St., Oakland. www.OaklandLayover.com

Storking Comedy: This weekly stand-up showcase takes it a step further by having “intrusive interviews” with each comic after his or her set. Every Thursday night from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Free. 2330 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. www.StorkClubOakland.com

Up In Jokes Comedy: Comedy night that usually revolves around a theme, like “perverted politicians.” Hosted by Charles Kelly and Nicole Love. Last Thursday of every month, 7-9 p.m. Free. Rooz Cafe, 1918 Park Blvd., Oakland.

Events

Celebrate Freedom Day

Richmond, Berkeley hold Juneteenth parties.

Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, or Freedom Day, began as a celebration of the end of our country’s long and shameful history of slavery. Now it’s a celebration of our nation’s vibrant black cultural heritage. When Lincoln released the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, news spread fast, though in those days “fast” could have been weeks. In certain sections of the nation, men and women remained enslaved, unaware that it was no longer legal to hold them captive. Texas was just such a place. Several slaveholders purposefully went there with their “property” to shield them from the news. Eventually, however, on June 19, 1865, Federal troops arrived in Galveston, and people were given their freedom. Now Americans—especially those on the West Coast who migrated here from Texas—honor that date as the “official” Emancipation Day. Two Bay Area cities hold special events to mark the occasion.

Richmond has a huge one complete with a parade, food, and lots of live music. This year there will be African-American horse riders, the Vallejo Corvette Club, and a Nae-Nae dance contest. Richmond Juneteenth Family Day Parade and Festival, Saturday, June 20, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Nicholl Park, Richmond. www.Richmondcajuneteenth.org

Berkeley also has a big one with several musicians and bands from all across the American, African, and Afro-Caribbean musicscape, like gospel, R&B, jazz, and reggae. Historical exhibits, art activities for children, spoken word, dance, and a two-on-two basketball tourney round things up. Berkeley Juneteenth Festival, Sunday, June 21, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., in south Berkeley’s five-block Alcatraz-Adeline corridor. www.BerkeleyJuneteenth.org

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